We were delighted to be back at the AHEAD conference again this year in Baltimore. It was fantastic to connect with fellow inclusivity advocates and explore how colleges across the US are looking to expand their offering to elevate outcomes for all students.
During the conference, we had a lunch and learn session in which we sat down with Michelle Shaw, the Director of Student Accessibility Services at Florida Atlantic University, to discuss how assistive technology can be used to meet the needs of all her students, without limiting them to the disability services department.
One approach to achieving this is by promoting and championing Universal Design for Learning (UDL). 65% of disabled students do not receive the accommodations they would benefit from, therefore, making learning accessible by design can help institutions reach the cohort that struggle to self advocate.
Michelle shared her story of how Glean is positively impacting students on campus, emphasizing the importance of ensuring every student has access to Glean when needed.
Q: Why is championing Universal Design for Learning (UDL) so important to you and your institution?
A: UDL is essential for ensuring all students have the tools to learn effectively.
Our campus serves a diverse student population, including first-generation students, veterans, and a large Hispanic community. Many students face challenges such as language barriers, financial constraints, and lack of academic support.
UDL provides a framework for addressing these challenges and creating a more inclusive learning environment.
Additionally, Florida has specific requirements for higher education institutions, emphasizing student success, retention, and graduation rates. UDL aligns with these goals by providing tools and strategies to support all students.
Q: Who were your key stakeholders when implementing UDL initiatives on campus, and what role did they play?
A: My primary stakeholders were the Vice President for Student Affairs, the Provost, the Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and the Office of Information Technology (OIT).
Gaining buy-in from these key individuals was crucial for securing support and resources. OIT was essential for approving and implementing the technology solutions we needed.
Q: Did you encounter any challenges during the UDL implementation process?
A: Our primary challenges were related to navigating university contracts and complying with state regulations regarding technology and student data. We also faced budgetary constraints.
Q: How did you secure funding for a campus wide assistive technology purchase?
A: We utilized a tech fee grant process to fund the initial purchase of Glean licenses. We also worked closely with the Vice President for Student Affairs to secure additional funding for a campus wide implementation.
Q: What factors influenced your decision to choose Glean?
A: We were impressed by Glean's ability to support students with diverse learning needs. The tool’s ease of use for both students and faculty was a major factor.
Additionally, personal experience with Glean demonstrated its effectiveness in improving focus, note taking, and overall productivity.
Q: How have you addressed concerns about student privacy and recording lectures?
A: Florida law permits students to record lectures for personal learning purposes. We emphasize to students the importance of respecting others' privacy and avoiding sharing sensitive information.
For courses involving sensitive content, we recommend instructors to clarify recording expectations with students.
Q: What advice would you give other institutions considering getting Glean campus wide?
A: Build strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including faculty, IT, and administration. Emphasize the benefits of UDL for all students, not just those with disabilities.
Be prepared to address budgetary and contractual challenges. And finally, explore technology solutions that can support your UDL goals.
Rewatch the webinar
We had a lovely follow up webinar 'From Unsung to hero - a roadmap to championing UDL across campus', where we were joined again by Michelle and discussed practical ways to incorporate assistive technology as part of a UDL toolkit within your institution, along with a proven roadmap for success.
Rewatch this session.
